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Chase Away Your Allergy Symptoms for a Carefree Spring

Chirping birds won’t be the only
sound you hear this spring.
More than 50 million Americans
will be sneezing and wheezing,
thanks to seasonal allergies. And if spring
comes early again this year, allergy
symptoms will be intense and last longer
than average.

“Relief might seem impossible as
pollen counts soar, but by knowing what
triggers symptoms and how to avoid
these allergens, sufferers can lead healthy,
active lifestyles with minimal side effects,”
says allergist Richard Weber, md,
president of the American College of
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “Although
symptoms may not always be
severe, seasonal allergies are a serious
condition that should be properly diagnosed
and treated.”

While there are common rules to live
by in the spring, such as keeping your
windows closed, there are lesser-known
spring allergy elements that can actually
increase your symptoms. To help those
with seasonal allergies cope this spring,
we’re unveiling five surprising spring
allergy facts you might not know about.

Not only will April’s showers
bring more flowers; they might
also cause more symptoms for
people with spring allergies.

1 One Pollen, Two Pollen, Three
Pollen, More
Every year is labeled
as the worst for allergy symptoms, and
there could be some truth to that. According
to a recent study published in the
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,
pollen counts slowly rise annually and
are expected to double by the year 2040.
This is due to economic growth, global
environment sustainability, temperature,
and human-induced changes (such as
increased levels of carbon dioxide).

2 Home Sweet Hay Fever
Where
you live can influence the severity
of your symptoms. For example,
the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of
America has ranked Knoxville, TN, as
the Spring Allergy Capital for three years
in a row. However, no matter where you
live, allergies can be a problem all year
long for some people. Talk with your
allergist about treatment options and for
tips on how to eliminate allergy triggers
in your home environment.

3 Treat Before You Sneeze
You
should start taking your allergy
medication well before the first sneeze.
Allergists recommend you begin treating
two weeks before your symptoms
typically surface. And while there isn’t
a cure for spring allergies, there is something
close. Immunotherapy, also known
as allergy shots, can modify and prevent
disease progression.

4 Pollens and Molds and Weeds,
Oh My!
A mild winter may cause
an early release of pollens from certain
trees, and a longer season may be worsened
by what is known as the priming
effect. Once people with allergies are exposed
to this early pollen, their immune
system is primed to react to the allergens,
meaning there will be little relief even
if temperatures cool down before spring
is in full bloom. If weather reports call
for a streak of warm days, go ahead and
begin taking your allergy medication.

5 April Showers Bring More
Symptoms
Not only will April’s
showers bring more flowers; they might
also cause more symptoms for people
with spring allergies. Rain can promote
plant and pollen growth. And wind
accompanying a rainfall can stir pollen
and mold into the air, which also heightens
symptoms.

Spring Allergy Rules to Live By

Know your triggers. You may think
that pollen is causing your symptoms,
but other substances may be involved
as well. More than two-thirds of
seasonal allergy fighters actually have
year-round symptoms. An allergist
can help you track down the source
of your sniffles.

Keep windows and doors shut
at home, and in your car, during
allergy season.

Stay inside during midday and
afternoon hours, which is when
pollen counts are highest.

Take a shower, wash your hair,
and change your clothes after
being outdoors.

Wear a mask when doing outdoor
chores like mowing the lawn.

Anyone with allergies and asthma should be
able to feel good, be active all day, and sleep
well at night. No one should accept less. If you
suspect you have seasonal allergies, you can
locate an allergist in your area by visiting
AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.